It’s challenging, I know.
Before starting reading, maybe go for a run, have a shower (optional), buy a costly chair on Amazon, or splurge on a fancy light, perhaps even some premium speakers and add a subscription to listen to those smooth jazz or LoFi playlists.
Prepare everything to the smallest detail to create that ideal environment—just like the scenes you’ve seen or imagined—to set yourself up for the best reading experience possible. Does this seem right to you?
Reading is arguably one of the most enriching experiences we can have.
Yet, I completely understand why many of us struggle to focus on even three pages.
The urge to check our phones feels far more enticing than engaging with a static set of words that require time to process, comprehend, and assemble into ideas. Then, there are the unexpected twists the author introduces. It’s a slow burn, not a quick fix of dopamine. With platforms like TikTok, it’s a climax after climax, non-stop. Pure, effortless gratification, right?
Our brains crave context; it’s how we understand the world. Books provide such a depth of information that our minds must construct entire imaginary worlds, scenes, pathways, and places. One day, as if by magic, this accumulated knowledge helps us make decisions. It fosters empathy, letting us experience scenarios in those “reading chapters” that now serve as lessons for life.
It’s like the equations in algebra and calculus—after a long struggle to understand them, we eventually gaze at the sun (please don’t stare directly!) and think, That’s why you’re there. We feel the warmth, grounding us in the universe.
I compare those quick, two-second video skips on TikTok and YouTube to the lightspeed skipping in Star Wars. Imagine skipping years of accumulated navigational wisdom that keeps you from crashing into a star. We bypass all the contextual richness, thrown together only for a fleeting thrill. In a world devoid of context, we become vulnerable. It’s as simple as that.
Think reading is dull and pointless?
Can you name a world leader or a top business mogul who doesn’t read? Even in ancient times, people had astounding memory skills before writing existed. They had books in their minds.
Use it or lose it, as they say. So don’t complain about forgetting things if you don’t engage your mind; a weakened short-term memory won’t let you remember much. Remember, ignorance might seem blissful—but knowledge, in the end, is power. And those with power control the narrative.
So, How Do You Develop the Habit of Reading?
You hear the same thing over and over again: get away from your phone, try different books, stop reading books that don’t inspire you, and read what excites you. I think these approaches set you up for failure because if you don’t develop the habit of reading books that may not excite you, you’ll always choose your phone over a book. Because the phone is designed to “excite” you.
When it comes to your phone, recognise that there are times to be on it and times to step away. Ask yourself: would you put ketchup in your coffee? Of course not. Would you pour chocolate powder into your wine or beer? The point isn’t to make you question your sanity; all these items contain sugar, and we love sugar. But we don’t put it in everything, right? The phone is the same; it’s a tool, not a teddy bear or something that contains your entire life that you can’t afford to lose. We have past kindergarten.
When people think of reading, they often picture a massive, dense book—the stereotypical pursuit of an intellectual. But reading doesn’t have to mean diving into an enormous novel. It can be as simple as reading the news, articles, or bank statements—anything you take in and learn from rather than something you instantly forget.
When it comes to reading a book, location matters.
Some people can read anywhere: on the train, in a bustling café, at the bus stop, or while listening to music through earphones. I prefer silence. I find reading difficult on the train or at a noisy bus stop. Occasionally, I put on noise-cancelling headphones, which help reduce the noise enough to hear the words in my head as I read. But you can choose your method.
From technical guides and short stories to novels, my curiosity drives me. I try to immerse myself in the character’s experiences and wonder why the author chose specific words or crafted certain paragraphs a particular way, often leading me to ask more questions as I go.
I love the vivid descriptions some authors create—to the point where I can almost smell the scenes they describe. It’s incredible how our brains can make such imagery feel so real.
Reading also provides a mindfulness opportunity; you detach from reality and dive into a world inside your mind, letting your senses blur. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in a story, gaining insights not just into the plot but into yourself, too.
But then there’s this realisation that when you are reading, you are also discovering the power of silence.
When you’re reading, it can feel like your entire body is tuned to the words on the page. Almost as if by magic, you no longer hear the rain outside, the wind sighing through the trees, the footsteps of passersby, or even the birds chirping—a familiar sound that usually brings a sense of safety.
It’s a profound silence, reassuring us that we’re safe, free to wander through words as we might gaze at the night sky, wondering what mysteries lie beyond those tiny points of light.
I love coming home and spending time with my wife, kids, and friends, but those two to three hours of reading are exceptional.
I don’t believe that simply placing a book by your bedside and reading a page daily is the best approach.
You might eventually get through it, but I think you first need a real reason to read. If you’re interested in a particular topic, research it, ask people about it, and build a sense of curiosity. Reading isn’t about forcing yourself to enjoy something but finding a reason that genuinely motivates you.
Not about following rules and laws, like if you were at primary school, or doing an exam. There are times and places for a structured approach, but this madness to apply control measures to quantify your reading is the typical setup for failure we almost accept believing we will make it.
Once you have that motive, you’ll feel a natural urge to start reading—first articles, then blogs, until that no longer satisfies, and you’re ready to pick up a book. This book isn’t chosen just for its cover design; it draws you in for a deeper reason.
Then, like visiting an old friend, you return to this new “friend,” the book, and engage in a conversation, listening to what the words are telling you.
This idea of a “quick fix,” like taking a pill and feeling better in hours, often stops people from enjoying the slower, richer experience of discovering new things through reading. This quick-fix approach denies a vast majority of the population the opportunity to truly enjoy what they’re doing. I find it irrational when certain individuals impose rigid rules about the “right” way to read a book or develop a reading habit, ignoring the simple truth that we are all different, with diverse lifestyles.
Not everyone can wake up at 5 a.m. to be productive, especially if they finish a shift at 3 a.m.
Not everyone can maintain a clockwork calendar when life is unpredictable, filled with responsibilities like caring for children or attending to someone who requires your attention. Not everyone has the means to spend money on those expensive and over complicated online apps that keep annoying you with notifications.
It’s no wonder people fail miserably; certain “tips” simply don’t work for everyone, and they mistakenly believe the problem lies with them when it doesn’t. The real issue is those individuals who often assume everyone shares their lifestyle, which is untrue.
Reading also has its negative side, which is the way you need to take care of your eyes, sit properly, for example, and sometimes going for a walk in between readings is often very refreshing.
No Time for Reading?
I didn’t have time to read books years ago until I decided to give up certain habits that made me passive. Once I did that, I found I had time for reading, exercising, and writing as well. We need to stop thinking in absolute terms—believing that to start reading, we must give up everything else. Instead, simply tell yourself, “I will do that tomorrow,” and commit to reading today, or vice versa.
It’s all about prioritisation and using your time as effectively as possible. If a book takes a month to complete, consider doing something unrelated the following month. I can guarantee that if you try this approach, you might end up reading six books and learning six new things.
How to Effectively Develop a Habit of Reading a Book
- Find Your Motivation: The first step to developing a reading habit is identifying your motivation. Consider what topics genuinely pique your interest. Engage in research, ask friends, and cultivate curiosity about those subjects. The desire to learn and discover will propel you towards reading more.
- Create a Reading Environment: Location matters. Find a quiet space where you can immerse yourself without distractions. While some people can read in noisy environments, I prefer silence. Noise-cancelling headphones can help if you need to block out background sounds.
- Start Small but Intentional: Instead of setting an arbitrary goal like reading a page a day, focus on reading in a natural and enjoyable way. Allow yourself to read what captivates you, whether it’s articles, blogs, or shorter pieces, before moving on to books.
- Engage with the Content: Treat each book as a conversation with a friend. As you read, ask yourself questions about the material and reflect on what the author is trying to convey. This engagement will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the text.
- Make Time for Reading: Carve out dedicated time in your schedule for reading—perhaps two to three hours in the evening. This time should allow you to enjoy the experience without interruptions, making it a rewarding part of your routine.
- Enjoy the Journey: Reading is not about forcing yourself to like something; it’s about discovering and enjoying new perspectives. Embrace the exploration process, and allow your reading habit to grow organically.
Last Chapter
In the same way, you acquire the taste of watching TV, swiping up and down on your phone, you can gather the habit of spending some time reading a book. Don’t leave it when you get old, you will miss so many adventures.